Vijender Singh dedicates his 2nd Professional title to India-China friendship

“He came, he saw, he conquered”, nothing fits more aptly into this lines than the recent victory of Vijender Singh as he stepped into the ring wearing one belt, left the square proudly wearing two.

Vijender Singh eked out a unanimous decision win over China’s Zulpikar Maimaitiali that saw him not only defend his WBO Asia Pacific Super Middleweight title but also snatch the latter’s WBO Oriental Super Middleweight title at the NSCI in Mumbai on Saturday.

In what turned out to be a thrilling 10-round contest, the judges called it 96-93, 95-95 and 95-94 in Vijender’s favour. Things spiced up towards the end as both the fighters threw in all they had — the occasion clinches to negate exhaustion being no exception.

“I didn’t expect him to fight so well and last the distance. I didn’t play my game and some of the attempts by him were unsporting,” Vijender said after the bout.

“I don’t want this title because I don’t want tension at the border (between India and China). I want to dedicate this win to India-China friendship. There is some tension at the border, need peace,” the Indian boxer added.

Meanwhile, it was the 32-year-old Beijing Olympic bronze medallist’s ninth successive win in his professional career.

In front of a boisterous Mumbai crowd, Vijender gave an exhibition of his class during the slugfest, and his oodles of experience came in handy during 10 intense rounds.

As for Maimaitiali, he jumped into the deep end of the pool by squaring-off against a boxer way more experienced than him. But going by the way the Chinese fought on Saturday, he is certainly the one to look out for in the future.